Compliance Manager - Virtual Assets

Job description:

Equiti is a pioneering fintech firm and world-class provider of multi-asset fintech products - from liquidity solutions to in-house tech hubs to online trading platforms. With over 400 global specialists in 9 languages, Equiti provides clients with access to individual, professional, and institutional brokerage services in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 

At Equiti, we believe that financial opportunities can unlock potential for everyone, everywhere. We’re on a mission to deliver accessible online trading products around the world through education and accessibility.  

Think finance is stuffy? Think again.  

We see Equiti as a new breed of broker, and we are on the lookout for talented individuals who can perform and excel in a dynamic and innovative working environment. Our Compliance department would like to welcome an engaged. 

Compliance Manager – Virtual Assets (VARA) in our office in UAE. 

Responsibilities  

• Assisting with the drafting, review, and maintenance of policies, procedures, and frameworks to ensure full alignment with VARA regulations, guidance, and circulars. 

• Acting as the local Compliance point of contact for VARA matters, providing regulatory guidance to internal stakeholders and ensuring effective coordination with Group and regional compliance functions. 

• Supporting client onboarding and due diligence for Virtual Asset activities, including Professional and Institutional clients, ensuring KYC, CDD, and risk classification are conducted in accordance with VARA AML/CFT requirements. 

• Monitoring and analysing regulatory developments issued by VARA, UAE competent authorities, FATF, and other relevant bodies, and providing clear regulatory updates and implementation guidance to the business. 

• Performing AML, sanctions, and PEP screening, onboarding due diligence, and ongoing monitoring, ensuring adherence to VARA AML/CFT standards and consistent application across the business. 

• Supporting governance through participation in Compliance, Risk, Product Governance, and Regulatory Committees, as applicable to VARA-regulated activities. 

• Maintaining and reviewing compliance registers, regulatory records, document retention schedules, and training logs, in line with VARA record-keeping obligations. 

• Identifying, assessing, and monitoring compliance and regulatory risks specific to Virtual Assets, initiating corrective actions and remediation plans to prevent recurrence. 

• Supporting the implementation and enhancement of compliance processes, systems, and controls to meet VARA regulatory expectations. 

• Assisting in the design and delivery of compliance and regulatory training, including face-to-face sessions on VARA requirements, AML/CFT, market conduct, and financial crime. 

• Reviewing and monitoring the effectiveness of systems and controls supporting VARA-regulated activities, including transaction monitoring, onboarding tools, and reporting mechanisms. 

• Supporting regulatory examinations, audits, and supervisory requests, including preparation of risk assessments and responses to VARA inquiries. 

• Assisting with the preparation of management information (MI), compliance dashboards, and regulatory reporting required under VARA frameworks. 

• Supporting the internal escalation and external reporting of suspicious activity, including preparation of STRs/SARs in accordance with UAE AML laws and reporting obligations to the relevant authorities. 

• Supporting compliance-related updates to external and internal communication channels (e.g. website disclosures, internal compliance notices), as required. 

• Handling complaints review and response drafting, ensuring regulatory timelines and standards are met. 

• Providing ongoing compliance support to Equiti UAE entities, contributing to the wider UAE compliance framework, regulatory consistency, and cross-entity alignment. 

• Undertaking ad-hoc compliance and regulatory projects as directed by the Head of Compliance – UAE. 

• Operating to a high standard of regulatory discipline, meeting strict timelines, and maintaining a proactive, risk-based compliance mindset. 

Experience Requirments 

• A bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or any related field. A masters degree is preferred but not compulsory; 

• At least 5-7 years relevant compliance analysis working experience gained within the UK regulatory environment & preferably in a multi-asset environment; 

• Motivation for career growth as a senior compliance practitioner; 

• Excellent research & analysis skills required to find, examine & interpret relevant regulations, laws & rules; 

• Problem solving & critical thinking skills are needed to identify compliance issues, risks, & problems and develop solutions around them; 

• Good interpersonal, communication & collaboration skills; 

• Team player; 

• Culturally astute; 

• Strong technical proficiency, verbal & written skills to relay information effectively; 

• Ability to be detail-orientated to meet deadlines & achieve compliance standards. 

Perks 

Each of our offices has its special perks; be it ‘no ties’, free lunches, charity events, or a hybrid work policy – but whenever you walk into an Equiti office, you’re sure to see a friendly face. We encourage international collaborations and always keep our eyes open to how we can do more. 

The benefits you can expect at your Equiti workplace include: 

• Competitive salary package 

• Performance-based bonus 

• Medical insurance coverage for employees and family members 

• Smart working options 

• Employee wellness initiatives 

• Personalized career development 

• Company lunch in the office 

• Regular company events 

With energy, drive, and imagination, there’s no limit to where your career can go at Equiti. With a diverse workforce and geographical spread of offices, we strongly support career development initiatives as well as provide a range of opportunities for professional and life experiences. 

Equiti is an equal opportunity employer. 

“Equiti” refers to a group of companies consisting of seven regulated financial services companies licensed to operate in the respective jurisdictions of their incorporation, in addition to our tech and marketing hubs. Equiti has presence in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.